Gia Lai implements its Cultural Diplomacy Strategy: From orientation to a driver of development

Gia Lai Province boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage that reflects the unique identities of the ethnic communities of the Central Highlands. Amid rapidly evolving and increasingly complex global and regional dynamics, the province has proactively adapted and seized opportunities arising from international integration to advance cultural diplomacy. The Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People’s Committee have identified cultural diplomacy as one of the three pillars of foreign affairs, and have directed its integration into programs and plans for tourism development, investment promotion, image building, and local branding. On this basis, departments, agencies, and local authorities have translated the Strategy into concrete implementation plans suited to practical conditions; strengthened inter-sectoral coordination; diversified forms of cultural diplomacy; and promoted the application of science and technology. The Department of Foreign Affairs plays a central role in advising, coordinating, connecting stakeholders, and providing training for foreign affairs personnel, thereby contributing to enhanced professionalism in the province’s international integration activities.

Integrating cultural diplomacy with political and economic diplomacy

One of the most notable achievements in cultural diplomacy is Gia Lai Province’s close integration of cultural diplomacy with political and economic diplomacy. Cultural promotion activities are systematically incorporated into overseas visits by provincial leaders, investment promotion conferences, tourism fairs, and diplomatic events. During these visits, provincial leaders not only highlight the province’s economic development potential, but also place strong emphasis on promoting the image and cultural identity of Gia Lai. Conversely, international delegations visiting the province are provided with opportunities to experience local culture through traditional art performances, visits to historical sites, and tourist attractions. In this way, culture serves as a bridge to strengthen trust, promote cooperation, attract investment, and foster tourism development. At the same time, Gia Lai Province has proactively expanded international cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science with a wide range of partners, including Laos, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and India. These cooperative activities contribute to strengthening exchanges and mutual understanding, while also creating favorable conditions for more extensive promotion of the province’s image to the world. The province also places strong emphasis on mobilizing, connecting, and leveraging the resources of overseas Vietnamese. Through meetings, information and outreach programs, opinion surveys, and the implementation of the Overseas Vietnamese Resource Development Project, Gia Lai has encouraged overseas Vietnamese to contribute their knowledge, experience, and investment capital, and to participate in promoting the image of their homeland, thereby contributing to the province’s socio-economic development.

Promoting digital communications, cultural activities and international exchanges

In the context of accelerated digital transformation, Gia Lai Province has actively applied information and communication technologies (ICT) in its cultural diplomacy activities. A cultural diplomacy database is being gradually developed, integrating a wide range of images, videos, and documents to support communication and promotional efforts. Significant investment has been made in digital media products, notably the documentary “Gia Lai - The Great Forest Developing”, which has attracted millions of views, contributing to the wide dissemination of the image of Gia Lai’s land and people both domestically and internationally. In addition, bilingual news articles are regularly published on the province’s foreign affairs information channels, while promotional programs are implemented at domestic and international tourism fairs and events.

Cultural, sports, and tourism exchange activities in Gia Lai Province have become increasingly rich and diverse, gradually generating international impact. Through programs on investment promotion, OCOP product promotion, regional cuisine, and cultural showcases, the province has built an image of a dynamic, distinctive, friendly, and integration-oriented locality. Alongside promotional efforts, special attention is paid to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage values. Gia Lai Province continues to effectively safeguard and promote two UNESCO-recognized heritages, namely the Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands and the Bài Chòi folk art form. Numerous programs aimed at revitalizing festivals, preserving traditional crafts, and transmitting folk culture are being implemented. At the same time, the province is preparing dossiers to propose UNESCO recognition for additional heritage elements, thereby contributing to the enhancement of its cultural standing.

In the coming period, Gia Lai Province will continue to improve mechanisms and policies, increase investment in cultural diplomacy, promote the development of distinctive cultural brands, enhance capacity in applying digital technologies to communication and promotion, expand international cooperation, and further leverage the role of overseas Vietnamese. Through these efforts, the province aims to transform its cultural strengths into an important resource for sustainable development by 2030.